Career Source Winter 2018

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

1

PUBLISHER Cynthia S. Allen

JACKSON COLLEGE

CAREER

Questions about Jackson College programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services at 517.796.8425.

Comments or questions about the publication should be directed to the Marketing Department at 517.796.8416.

SOURCE Winter 2017 • Volume 4 Issue 2

2

EDITOR Dotty Karkheck

Pathways provide clear route to degrees, careers

4 Business & Computer Technology

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Abbie Stein WRITER Marilynn Fryer PHOTOGRAPHY Jackson College marketing staff

JACKSON COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

6

Health Sciences

8

Human Services

10 Liberal Arts 12 Science, Engineering

and Mathematics

Sam R. Barnes Chairman

John M. Crist Vice Chairman

14 Skilled Trades

and Agriculture 16 Am I ready for college?

Tips for success

Sheila A. Patterson Secretary

Donna L. Lake Treasurer

Matthew R. Heins Trustee

Philip E. Hoffman Trustee

19 Choosing a major:

What do you want to do?

20 How can I afford college?

Understand financial aid 21 Pell Grant opportunities

offered year-round

Dr. Edward A. Mathein Trustee

Dr. Daniel J. Phelan President

2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201 www.jccmi.edu

22 Online classes:

Are they right for you?

24 Corporate and

Continuing Education www.jccmi.edu/careersource

1

Choosing a career path made easier with pathways Going to college offers many choices. Jackson College is working to make some choices easier.

To help more students receive a college degree, Jackson College grouped all its programs into pathways. Similar programs are grouped together, and there are six pathways total – • • • •

Business & Computer Technology Health Sciences Human Services Liberal Arts

• Science, Engineering & Mathematics • Skilled Trades & Agriculture

Students may express an interest in an area, such as business, but not know an exact program. Students may start in a broader pathway, and then narrow their choices of an exact program or major as they continue. All programs have been mapped to offer students a clear path to an associate degree.

OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE Providing clear paths for each semester helps minimize the risk of taking a class that may not apply to a degree program. This helps eliminate some of the confusion students may face with electives, core requirements, general studies and so on. Programs in a pathway have many similar requirements.

“We would like to help students keep on track to complete within a reasonable amount of time,” said Charlotte Finnegan, director of occupational pathways. “And by completing I mean transfer as well. We’d certainly like to see students earn a certificate or associate degree here because we know from the data that they will do better and be more apt to graduate from their transfer school if they graduate from here first.”

Students explore career opportunities in a Seminar in Life Pathways class, SEM 140. In this seminar course, students learn principles for success in college and do in-depth career explorations.

Explore the many careers you can start at Jackson College in this issue! We have highlighted a couple programs from each pathway, and include listings of other available programs.

2

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

JACKSON COLLEGE’S PATHWAYS ARE:



  

 

Business & Computer Technology – Do you enjoy being a leader, organizing people, planning activities and talking? Do you like to work with numbers or ideas? Do you enjoy carrying through with an idea and seeing the end product? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Explore careers related to all aspects of business and computer technology.

Health Science – Do you like to care for people or animals who are sick or help them stay well? Are you interested in diseases and in how the body works? Do you enjoy reading about science and medicine? Today’s health professions involve helping others with physical needs and providing support. Explore careers related to health sciences.

Human Services – Are you friendly, open, understanding, and cooperative? Is it important to you to makes things better for other people? Do you like to help friends with family problems?

Human services careers are concerned with meeting human needs. Careers involve improving the overall quality of life for others, as well as prevention and solving of problems. Explore careers in human services.

Liberal Arts – Are you a creative thinker? Do you like to communicate ideas? Are you imaginative, innovative, and original? Liberal arts careers are related to the humanities and performing, visual, literary and media arts. Liberal arts provide a sound educational background that may be the basis of many fields, with the opportunity to explore many subjects. Explore careers in the liberal arts.

Science, Engineering & Mathematics – Are you mechanically inclined and practical? Are you interested in how things are built and how they work? Whether looking at people, animals, plants, machines, buildings, the earth or the universe, students in the STEM pathway have an interest in understanding how the world works. Explore careers related to science, engineering and mathematics.

Skilled Trades & Agriculture – Do you enjoy figuring out how things work and fixing problems? Do you like to work with your hands? There is high demand for all technical trades that involve specialized skills and creative thinking. Explore careers related to skilled trades and agriculture.

Explore the great careers that you can start at Jackson College in this issue! We have highlighted a couple programs from each pathway, and include listings of other available programs.

Visit any location to learn more, or check online at www.jccmi.edu/academics/programs-of-study. www.jccmi.edu/careersource

3

BUSINESS & COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY



Accounting careers offer opportunity for business-minded professionals Accounting careers will see a big demand in the future. At Jackson College, students can get a great start from professors who work to make the subject accessible.

In accounting, students learn how businesses track their income and assets over time. It is the language of commerce and important to a variety of fields, from business and industry to government, education, entertainment, even the legal system.

Accounting jobs are more varied than ever before.

Professor Suzanne Long aims to show students that accounting can be approachable. “It’s team-based, dynamic, and full of problem solving,” Long said.

Students may work as office assistants, office managers, accounts receivable positions, or with further study and a bachelor’s degree, staff accountants or certified public accountants (CPAs). Accounting students are also in a good position to take strategic positions within companies, because their knowledge helps them understand the inner workings of business.

Employment of accountants is expected to grow 20 percent in coming years.

•

•

•

Certificate in accounting – bookkeeper, accounts receivable/accounts payable clerk, payroll clerk, inventory clerk. Salaries range from $22,000 to $52,000 annually.

Associate degree in accounting – accounts payable manager, payroll manager, investment analyst.

Salaries range from $41,000 to $60,000.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting – public accountant, payroll supervisor, private industry accountant.

Salaries range from $39,500 to $83,000.

Networking specialist: A career with connections Think about what happened the last time your office’s computer network went down, or your home computer’s Internet service failed. In today’s “connected” world, networks are necessary for success!

Computer networking is a growing field where technicians keep computers “talking” with one another. They maintain networks that link computers, communication equipment and video equipment. They work to keep the computer systems and network running and performing optimally, install and maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor networks to ensure their availability to users.

A VERSATILE CAREER Networking specialists work in many environments – large corporations, small businesses, government organizations and schools. Specialists do not necessarily always work a 9-5 job, because they may be called in at all hours if a system is down, or they may need to put in long hours if they are getting a new network or system up and running.

“You need the ability or desire to constantly learn new things, because computer networking is a very dynamic environment, things are always changing,” said Assistant Professor Larry Choate.

Jackson College offers both associate degree and certificate programs for networking specialist, as well as a concentration in Network+/Security+ certifications. Further study with a bachelor’s degree will increase job opportunities.

Employment will grow 8-11 percent in coming years. Salaries vary depending on location, from about $26,000 to more than $73,500 annually; median is about $57,000.

This pathway includes careers related to all aspects of business, commerce, and the computer networks that underlie our world today including: 3D Design & Animation Accounting Administrative Assistant Business Administration Computer Networking Computer Programming Computer Service Computer Support Culinary Arts Cyber Security Digital Photography E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Executive Assistant Graphic Design Management Marketing Medical Assistant Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Medical Office Support Microsoft Office Specialist Sports Management

HEALTH SCIENCES



Health administration careers keep practices running smoothly Today’s health care system is a growing field. To help meet the demands of today’s health care workplaces, Jackson College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Health Administration/ Insurance Specialist degree, now available completely online.

This degree may be a good fit for those interested in the medical field but not necessarily having clinical contact with patients. It builds on the medical coder/biller certificate, providing students with additional coding and billing training and practicum experience while incorporating business and administrative topics relating to health management. Students may find careers in administration, medical biller, medical coder, practice management, medical secretary or receptionist. Upon completion, students may sit for the Certified Professional Coder (AAPC) exam.

“This will offer students the skills that they will need to get a job, if they are interested in moving up in the health care field,” said Dr. Kristin Spencer, program director for the medical assistant program. “It will also prepare them for advanced study of a bachelor’s degree program, if they are interested in higher level management in the medical field.”

To succeed in the medical coding/billing and administration fields, students should be self-motivated, determined, flexible and patient. Insurance requirements may change frequently, and workers need to change their ways of doing things quickly.

Careers in medical records, coding and billing are expected to increase about 10-15 percent over the coming years. Average wages are about $34,622 annually, and range from $23,378$53,646. Medical practice managers, who typically do complete a bachelor’s degree, may earn $89,629 annual, and that field will see a 10-17 percent increase in demand.

6

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

Take a close-up look at radiography careers Have you ever broken a bone? Chances are, you utilized the services of a health care professional called a radiographer.

Radiographers, or radiologic technologists, use radiation – x-rays – to create images of body parts for diagnosis. They may also perform fluoroscopic exams, computed tomography (CT) scans, mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They work to correctly position patients for procedures, operate high-tech equipment, explain procedures and guard against unnecessary exposure to radiation.

“When you become a radiographer, there are a lot of directions you can go in,” said Joe Shackelford, assistant professor of radiography. “All of the areas, though, involve caring for people. That’s where your central focus should be.

Your patients will make the work great.”

This pathway includes a wide array of careers relating to health sciences, helping people with physical needs including: Allied Health General Studies Cardiac Sonography EKG Technician Electronic Health Records Specialist Emergency Medical Technology General Sonography Health Administration/ Insurance Specialist Medical Assistant Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Medical Office Support

Radiography is a two-year associate degree that is a second admit program, meaning students begin with general education courses and prerequisites and then apply for admission to the program. Jackson College accepts about 20 students each year in radiography, with applications due at the end of January. The College maintains a strong relationship with its clinical partners.

Nursing

The field is in demand, with about 4-9 percent growth projected through 2024. Average wages are about $39,026 per year, and range from $29,329-$67,889. Students will need good interpersonal skills and compassion, as they deal with patients who are sick, injured and likely scared.

Respiratory Care

Pharmacy Technician Phlebotomy Technician Radiography

Vascular Sonography

The Health Laboratory Center on Central Campus offers topquality equipment and facilities for students in radiography, and faculty goes out of their way to help students succeed.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

7

HUMAN SERVICES



Human service careers offer opportunity to make a difference Are you interested in helping people? Perhaps a career in human services is for you!

Explore people, their behavior and how different people groups and systems interact in society with a human services career.

Sometimes called the social sciences, they include subjects like sociology, psychology, anthropology, education, economics, history and political science.

Human services is a broad field with many opportunities.

Students in these areas will need to enjoy and understand people and have good communication skills to talk to and understand others. Related careers may include counseling, social work, community service, youth and elderly services, criminal justice, law, and government sector work with local, state and federal agencies. Some may pursue statistics and research where they complete survey research, common in sociology and public opinion polling.

“For all human services, you have the opportunity to help people, and you can affect change in the world,” said Professor Jacklyn Burkhard. “It’s important to have a desire to help people.” For those considering a career in human services, researching the jobs, job shadowing, or completing an internship in a related field can be beneficial. Students may get a true picture of what the job entails and the clients they will serve.

Jackson College offers transfer programs in psychology, social work, pre-law and political science. Students may begin their studies at the College and then transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Some fields may require a master’s degree (typically two years beyond a bachelor’s).

8

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

Criminal justice & corrections careers offer opportunity to serve LAW ENFORCEMENT Law enforcement careers offer opportunity and rewards for service-minded individuals. Law enforcement officers – police and detectives – protect the public, maintain order and investigate crime. Those going into the field need to have compassion and respect for others, and be a people person.

Many options are available in law enforcement. Students ask about criminal investigation and forensics, like on television, as well as SWAT teams and undercover drug work. These opportunities are all available, but officers first need to start at the beginning and work their way up. Both police and corrections are 24-hour-a-day operations, and new personnel often will have to work an afternoon, evening or weekend shift until they build up some years of experience.

Jackson College offers associate degree and certificate options in law enforcement. Police officers must also complete academy training prior to employment in Michigan. Salaries range from about $33,321 to $72,000 for police and detectives.

This pathway includes careers that are concerned with meeting human needs and improving quality of life for all including: Corrections Law Enforcement Military Science Pre-Law Psychology Social Work

CORRECTIONS Corrections officers oversee prisoners in jails and prisons and work to maintain order. Numerous retirements have prompted demand for corrections officers in Michigan, for both men and women.

Careers in corrections vary depending on the site. Most corrections officers will be working with convicted felons in correctional facilities. Some may also work for local municipalities in jails. Those considering going into corrections should have good people and interpersonal skills.

To become a corrections officer, applicants need to complete a minimum of 15 college credits in a prescribed selection of courses, including correctional administration, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, social work, counseling and guidance, law enforcement and more. Jackson College offers associate degree and certificate programs in corrections. Salaries for corrections workers range from $34,398-$59,735.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

9

LIBERAL ARTS



Creative communicating essential to careers in graphic design Communicating through art, the work of graphic designers can be seen everywhere.

Graphic design careers encompass many tasks, but all are designed to communicate something to others. They perform a variety of tasks taking a project from an idea to a finished work.

They create artwork to announce events, promote products, services or ideas, or demonstrate useful information. Designers work with photographs and computer-generated images, and use and design typefaces for all variety of commercial messages.

Students will benefit from art history and design classes, a sense for photography, along with creativity and imagination. “It is really important to have a foundation of good design principles.

Without it, designers will not be able to compete,” said Christie Hughes, associate professor. “Technology and computer skills are essential, but those can always be learned. They will need to be learned because the software programs are always changing and upgrading.”

Jackson College offers associate degree or certificate options in graphic design. The program prepares students for entrylevel positions in publication and printing industries, advertising and marketing organizations, and graphic design departments of agencies and retailers.

A skill set in graphic design includes courses in three of the Adobe® Creative Suite® programs, Adobe® Illustrator®, Adobe® Photoshop®, and Adobe® InDesign®. This will teach students the minimal computer skills necessary in page layout and design.

Demand for graphic designers will grow about 4 percent in coming years. Median earnings are $40,882 per year, and range from $30,501-$55,278.

10

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

English study offers versatility What will the story of your future be? Studying English prepares you for many opportunities!

Typical career opportunities for English majors include writer, editor, teacher or librarian, but the field is vast. Students with a major or minor in English can work in many fields. “The skills you develop really prepare you for the world, and for any career that you may want to go into,” said Professor Geraldine Jacobs.

English classes encompass both writing and composition, as well as literature courses. Students learn to become better writers and learn how to express themselves and communicate in writing, a skill highly sought after in the workplace. Through reading literature, they develop skills in analyzing and critical thinking, understanding different perspectives, and understanding audience.

In-demand careers today include: • English as a second language tutors, especially with online language schools. Demand is also high for those to teach English abroad.

• Technical writers who create manuals or guides.

• Television or movie writers to help write or modify scripts.

• Museum administration.

• Research writers.

• Professional schools such as law school or medical school appreciate English majors who can write and communicate well.

This pathway includes careers related to the humanities, arts and performing, including: 3D Design & Animation Art Digital Photography English Graphic Design History Music Pre-Law

“If you are going to a professional school, they need people who can do research, put information together, exercise critical thinking to gather and evaluate information and then summarize and make sense of it,” Jacobs said. “English students will take with them all of these skills, in effect, the ability to truly think.”

While having some talent and skill in writing will help, Jacobs urges that those are skills that can always be developed. “Regardless of where students are when they enter our classes, writing skills can always be improved,” Jacobs said.

Jackson College offers a transfer program in English, meaning students must transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Some fields may require a master’s degree (typically two years beyond a bachelor’s).

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

11

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS



Science certificate program yields positive results for students Students interested in a career in the sciences can get a great start with Jackson College’s pre-professional science certificate program.

The program prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution where they may continue as science majors or pre-professional students preparing for fields such as human or veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical or occupational therapy and others. It provides rigorous academic coursework that meets the requirements for most first-year pre-professional programs. The early science courses focus on the general principles essential to the various subjects – biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology – and include a significant laboratory component.

“Many students who are interested in a career in the health or other scientific professions don’t need all of the courses to fulfill an associate degree before they transfer, but they do have a very specific set of courses necessary for their field,” said Professor Patricia Visser, who teaches biology. “We help them focus on getting their early science courses here, where we have smaller classes and students can get more personal attention.”

Students may also use the certificate to find employment as laboratory technicians. Laboratory technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to assist in research and development and to help invent and improve products and processes, but are more practically oriented than scientists.

12

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

Problem solved! Mathematics offers solution for rewarding careers Do you enjoy solving problems? Does working with numbers and formulas come naturally to you? Study of mathematics offers ample career opportunities.

“If you like problem solving, trying different things and being creative in solving problems, the processes in mathematics are really appealing,” said Professor Kristi Laird. “Many who go into math or engineering would stagnate in an environment where they see the same things each day.”

Jackson College offers a transfer program in mathematics that provides the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree in mathematics, science or engineering. Career opportunities may include: • data science – finding patterns or trends in large amounts of data and connecting them to real world decisions.

• actuarial science – actuaries help analyze and manage risk using analytical skills. They may work for insurance companies, financial planners and corporations.

• teaching – mathematics teachers are in demand at all levels.

• statistics – use statistical methods to collect and analyze data to help solve real-world problems.

• engineering, computer science and science fields all utilize and apply mathematics extensively.

This pathway includes many careers relating to how the world works and shapes the products and services used each day including: Environmental Science Mathematics & Engineering Medical Sciences Physical Therapy Psychology Science

For those interested a career in mathematics, faculty suggest college freshmen come at least at the precalculus level. Taking as many mathematics courses as possible in high school will help. Laird said it is possible to start at a lower level of mathematics, but be prepared to study and work very hard to progress.

Careers in mathematics offer challenge and opportunity.

Mathematicians, actuaries, statisticians and many engineering fields are typically among the top jobs in the country. Salaries start in the $50,000-$60,000 range, and increase with experience.

Students will need to continue at a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Those who seek academic research or teaching will want to complete a master’s degree (typically two years beyond a bachelor’s degree).

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

13

SKILLED TRADES & AGRICULTURE



Plug into opportunity with career as electrician Charge up your future with a career as an electrician!

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures in homes, businesses, industries, external structures and more. Electricians work in residential, industrial and commercial settings.

Jackson College offers both an associate degree and certificate to become an electrician, and a concentration in electrical basics. All electricians start with a basic knowledge of electricity and current, the physics and characteristics of it. When working with electricity, one doesn’t actually see the power, so it’s important to have a good basic understanding of what is going to happen and why.

Students learn the basics of circuit analysis; electronics; residential, commercial and industrial wiring; troubleshooting; electrical motors and controls; the Electrician’s National Code and more. “Students are both learning and doing at the same time. We get hands-on, with a lot of troubleshooting, which is what students will have to do when they are on the job,” said Joseph Smith, instructor and master electrician, contractor and electrical inspector.

Demand for electricians is expected to increase about 14 percent over the next several years. Average wages are about $62,483 per year, and range from $35,930-$74,989.

To become an electrician, one must complete at least four years as an apprentice, with at least 8,000 hours of practical experience. Classroom time does count toward the apprenticeship, as the state mandates necessary classes.

After the apprenticeship, they may take an exam to become journeyman electricians, necessary to work on one’s own. With further experience and passage of an exam, they may become master electricians.

14

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

Take your future to new heights with aviation The skies are brighter for those considering careers in aviation!

Jackson College operates the Flight Center at the Jackson County Airport – Reynolds Field, offering an associate degree and pilot certification for those looking to learn to fly. Jackson College partners with Solo Aviation to offer flight training.

“Jackson College offers a very good structured environment for students wanting to learn to fly,” said Chad Zeller, program director with Solo Aviation and the Jackson College aviation program. “We follow a proven syllabus, and we hire only the best instructors.”

Careers in the field are diverse, from local commercial pilots, to flight instructors, to corporate and regional pilots to the major airline pilots. Employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow in the coming years. As a large percentage of pilots are reaching retirement age and others left the field for other opportunities, demand is picking up. Pilots seeking employment at major airlines will face strong competition.

This pathway includes many careers for those who enjoy how things work, fixing problems, and helping to meet people’s needs including: Advanced Manufacturing Agriculture Technology Automotive Aviation Flight Technology Electrician Electronic Technology Energy Systems Occupational Studies

The College offers private, instrument, commercial, flight instructor and multi-engine flight training. A minimum of 250 hours’ flight time is required for a commercial certificate, which qualifies pilots for entry-level jobs.

To become a regional airline pilot, one must accumulate 1,500 flight hours. For those looking to fly for a major airline, they will require about 3,000 hours accumulated flight time. Pilots need to be in good health and have a clean background, no felony records and few if any, misdemeanors.

Commercial pilots earn, on average, $71,260 per year, and range from $41,142-$113,566.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

15

Am i ready for college?

Prepare and commit:

Tips for college success What’s the secret for success in college? How can one know if they are ready for college?

“Student success has been studied, and all the data points to the same critical steps – preparedness, commitment and vision,” said John Knevel, Foundations Seminar program director at Jackson College.

VISION & PREPARATION Prepare in advance for not only what you want to be, but how you want to live; what kind of life would you like? How important is your work environment or schedule? What type of income will you need for your ideal life? Where do you want to be, geographically? What are your expectations regarding free time and vacation time? Choosing a program or major – how one will make a living – goes hand and hand with choosing a life.

“College can offer you the opportunity to explore that, but you need to be willing,” Knevel said.

Prepare well in advance for your first semester. Students who make last-minute decisions about attending college or wait to register for classes often do poorly, Knevel said. “I strongly recommend completing all of your admissions work and registration for courses two months in advance of the start of your first semester.”

16

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

COMMIT TO COLLEGE Students must understand and commit themselves to college. Knevel said many students try to add college classes to an already full schedule, which will often result in failure.

“College is hard work. It’s not something that can be squeezed on to a plate that’s already full,” Knevel said. “If you can’t really focus, you won’t succeed.”

Student success navigator Anthony Fassett emphasized the importance of time management skills with the added responsibilities of college.

College courses cover more material in a shorter time frame, and students must manage their personal time to find time for classes and studying.

“In high school sometimes you can just drift along till graduation. At a community college setting, you can’t fake it, you need to commit yourself,” Fassett said. The College is committed to helping students find success, with several initiatives like student success navigators put in place in the last couple years. But success is a two-way street – while navigators intentionally reach out to students, those students in turn need to be committed.

Committing one’s self means going to class and to studying each day. In many college classes, attendance is mandatory; a professor may allow up to two absences, and after that, a student may be dropped from the course.

Issues may arise such as transportation mishaps or problems with child care for parents. Consider these in advance and have back-up plans in place – don’t wait for a crisis. Missing even one class means missing important material, Knevel said, and students are paying for their education.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

17

“When life does get in the way, sometimes students may have to manage the life side even more than the academic side,” Knevel said. “If a student misses class consistently, that’s a red flag that they may fail.”

USE YOUR RESOURCES Staying on campus as much as possible will also help with success. “Do your college work on campus, this is the perfect environment for effective learning,” Knevel said. Study in the library or in one of the many breakout rooms around campus. Get to you know your professors.

Take advantage of the Center for Student Success, which offers tutoring, study strategy assistance and much more. Again, do it early and plan ahead – don’t wait till you’re struggling.

These free services are designed for students’ benefit -- take advantage of them.

“Do your college work on campus, this is the perfect enviroment for effective learning.”

– John Knevel “Get involved in college, form peer study groups, attend programs, plays, symposia that are available. All of these will help you connect,” Knevel said. “Part of college is not just who you know, but who knows you? Making those connections can help you in classes.”

18

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

Choosing a major:

What do you want to do?

Your major or program will be the primary area of study for your college education. After you graduate, it will be important to getting your first job and building your career. Some majors may lend themselves to a variety of occupations, while others are quite specific.

Not sure what major is right for you? Start by asking yourself some questions…

1. What do I enjoy doing? What am I good at; in what subjects did I get good grades?

2. Where do I want to be in 10 years? What are my life goals?

3. How much money do I hope to make?

4. How much schooling will be required for my possible career fields?

5. Can I have this career where I currently live, or will I have to relocate?

If you’re not sure, that’s OK – there is some time to investigate. Jackson College students enroll in a SEM 140, Seminar in Life Pathways course, which will help you explore careers and program opportunities available. Students may also speak with teachers, parents, counselors and others about what career opportunities best suit you. Job shadowing is a great way to explore what a career is like.

Career exploration resources are available through Jackson College’s Career Coach online system, www.jccmi.edu/employment-services/. There, one can take an assessment – shorter and longer versions are available – to find possible careers to fit one’s interests. Information about careers and how they align with Jackson College’s programs is also available.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

19

How can I afford college?

Interested in going to college but not sure how to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available for those who qualify!

Financial aid is the commonly used term for money to help with college expenses. The U.S. Department of Education should be the first source to figure financial aid. Aid is also available from scholarships and grants from state governments, schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, religious groups and professional organizations.

TYPES OF AID Most students receive some kind of financial aid. Financial assistance can be: • Grants – money that doesn’t have to be paid back • Scholarships – money that doesn’t have to be paid back • Work-study – money you earn for part-time work on or off-campus • Loans – money you borrow that is paid back with interest Aid may be used to cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, and transportation. The amount received is based on a person’s need, as determined by federal guidelines.

“When applying for financial aid and submitting it to your school choice(s), it allows them to evaluate your information and determine which financial resources you are available to receive to reduce the cost of your education,” said Andrew Spohn, director of financial aid.

20

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

APPLY EARLY To apply, complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. With limited financial aid available, the sooner one completes the form, the better. The 2018-19 FAFSA is now available.

After a student has completed their FAFSA, they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which details the information submitted and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the dollar amount that is subtracted from the school cost to determine one’s need for financial aid. Jackson College will mail one letter to the student, and further communication will be through e-mail.

The Jackson College Foundation offers thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance each year, and the College also offers scholarships.

Please visit the financial aid website at www.jccmi.edu/financial-aid/ scholarships/.

“If you are applying for ‘private’ scholarships, most foundations, companies, and/or organizations will ask you for a copy of your financial aid information to assist them in determining your scholarship eligibility,” Spohn said.

Find the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Pell Grant funding receives boost; students now eligible year-round Good news for college students who benefit from Pell Grant assistance! For the 2017-18 year, eligible students may receive Pell Grant assistance year-round – all three semesters.

Pell Grants are a federal aid program that helps students cover college costs. Yearround Pell allows qualifying students to receive up to 150 percent of the regular award over the course of a year so they may continue taking classes in the summer. The amount received depends on financial need, cost of attendance, fullor part-time status, and plans to attend for the full academic year or less.

“This not only offers a financial benefit to students, but also the opportunity for them to accelerate their degree pathways and complete their degree faster,” said Vice President of Student Services Jeremy Frew.

At Jackson College, about 50 percent of students receive Pell Grants. Filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an important first step for receiving any kind of aid; the 2017-18 FAFSA is now available. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Speak with a student success navigator at any Jackson College location for more information.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

21

Online classes: decide if they’re right for you With Jackson College’s distance learning program and JetNet, completing a college degree is as close as your keyboard!

Online courses provide educational opportunities by way of one’s home computer and the Internet. Students may study any place they have a computer with Internet access. Courses will transfer to two- and four-year colleges, which can help make completing college a reality.

When considering distance learning programs, ask yourself a few questions to determine if you are ready. Distance learning is ideal for you if: • You have time in your schedule to add a course commitment.

•

You are a motivated, self-disciplined and responsible learner. While online courses offer great flexibility, there will be no one reminding you of deadlines or making sure you understand the subject. Distance learners are able to motivate themselves and set their own goals.

•

You have computer skills necessary to take on online course. Complete understanding of e-mail, word processing, using the Internet and other technologies required in the course is necessary.

• You have consistent Internet access and a computer, preferably at home.

22

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

Jackson College offers many online classes via distance learning to fit your schedule.

Choose courses from nearly all disciplines.

Complete degrees/ certificates available completely online are listed below: Associate in Arts Associate in General Studies Accounting – Associate in Applied Science •

You have sufficient reading skills to comprehend course materials. Almost all you information will come in the form of written text. Students need to be able to comprehend college texts and online information without the direct guidance of a professor.

•

You have sufficient writing skills to communicate with your professor through e-mails, write class assignments, and attach documents to e-mail, or communicate through threaded discussions and chat rooms.

•

You have appropriate study and time management skills. Being able to schedule one’s time to complete assignments by due dates without procrastination is necessary.

There will be times you may need to ignore the phone or other disturbances when course work needs to be done.

•

You are comfortable contacting your instructor and communicating any need for help or clarification. Your instructor can’t see your face if you’re confused, so you will be responsible for initial contact and being persistent when you have questions.

Accounting – Certificate Business Administration – Associate in Applied Science Business Administration – Certificate Health Administration/ Insurance Specialist – Associate in Applied Science Management – Certificate Medical Insurance Coder/Biller – Certificate View the complete list of online courses at www.jccmi.edu/online.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

23

corporate and continuing education Jackson College’s Corporate and Continuing Education program can help businesses be successful or individuals explore a new interest. CCE provides workforce development opportunities and community and continuing education.

CCE offers skilled trades courses in: • Advanced Manufacturing (Welding, Blueprint Reading, GD&T, AutoCAD) • Advanced Truck Driver Training • And More!

CCE offers continuing and professional education courses in: • American Heart Association Training • Career Training Programs • Human Resources Training • Real Estate Online • Teacher State Continuing Education Clock Hours Well-trained workers are more productive and happier workers, so investing in their skills can be a wise choice to grow and sustain a business. Whether you are a business leader seeking educational options for your employees or an individual seeking to improve yourself, CCE can help. If you can’t find what you are looking for, we will work with you to customize the training or locate a training resource.

MEETING YOUR TRAINING NEEDS To learn more about any of these or other Corporate and Continuing Education program, contact Bonnie Minier, senior office coordinator, 517.796.8610, or visit online at www.jccmi.edu/cce.

24

Winter 2018 • CAREER SOURCE

WORK-BASED LEARNING Jackson College can connect employers with students who are seeking an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to a realworld experience through internships. Hosting a student intern provides support to your company while increasing your talent pipeline, and prepares the next generation for a successful future and career.

Work-Based Learning provides businesses with: • Access to students through career-based events and online tools • Assistance with creating/restructuring internship positions • A valuable way to evaluate and recruit potential employees with no obligation • An avenue of discussion with the College on the desired skills and qualifications of the future workforce FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAINING – MNJTP Under Michigan law (MCL 389.161-389.166), employers can obtain training for new employees hired for new jobs under the Michigan New Jobs Training Program (MNJTP). Designed as an economic development incentive, MNJTP allows Jackson College to manage the withholding taxes to fund a variety of training and development opportunities for qualifying new positions.

CORPORATE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION Corporate and Continuing Education also offers employee recruitment assistance through the College Central Network resource, and customized workforce training.

For more information on any services, call 517.796.8610.

www.jccmi.edu/careersource

25

COLLEGE

PAID

Permit No. 11 Jackson, MI

Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602-2504 312.236.0456 www.ncacihe.org

It is the policy of Jackson College that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or handicap, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible for or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Career Source is published twice a year. All rights reserved. No part of the material may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

ECRWSSEDDM RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage